Sierra Nevada Pale Ale

Today I have Sierra Nevada's Pale Ale in my glass. This beer holds a special place in my heart as my first microbrew. Before trying it I was unconvinced that American beer could be any good. I've tried hundreds of different microbrews since then. I rarely buy Sierra Nevada, but I always enjoy it when I do. Take a walk with me down memory lane as I enjoy an old favorite:

It pours pale, true to its name, though richer than your average macro. Definitely noses like a transitional beer, a somewhat hoppier take on the average macro lager. It's straight forward and bitter on the palate with a decent hop dose. I recall this beer having a notably yeasty finish, but this bottle doesn't seem to be delivering it. After all of the nice words I wrote before, I have to admit this beer isn't doing it for me. I can be an apologist here, and say maybe it was poorly stored, or a bad batch. The best thing I can say about it is that it went well with fish fry, but so does Pabst. I hope this bottle was not a good representation of where this beer has gone, though it may be awhile before I try another.

Bjorn.

Ballast Point Sculpin

Today I have Ballast Point's Sculpin in my glass. Ballast Point is new to the Midwest and I'm at least a little curious about them. As a long-time fisherman I take notice of a beer who names all of their bottlings after fish and I'm even more intrigued when I'm unfamiliar with the fish in question. The Sculpin is a kind of funny looking fish. Take a look at one of Ballast Point's bottles if you've never seen one, or better yet open one with me.

Sculpin pours richly golden with little head. It has a deep sweet nose full of tropical fruits. It's smooth and easy to drink without any massive hop bite. It does have a little nice nibble on the finish though, and lingers citrusy in the mouth. Apparently Ballast Point also makes a version of this with Habanero Peppers, which sounds like it would be fun. Likewise I will be watching for their Grapefruit Sculpin.


Side note: this beer goes great with a fish fry. Side-side note: as I write more of these the format will tighten, as will my writing. I will become a machine. I will become one with my machine. Our words will warm your winters and cool your summers. Don't ask how it works. You cannot dissect gossamer. Magic falls apart under the microscope.

Bjorn.